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ECSTASY
What is it?
Ecstasy may be classed, in drugs terms, as a hallucinogenic
amphetamine, usually available in a variety of home-made capsules or
tablets which are taken by mouth.
Legal status
The manufacture, sale and use are illegal and ‘E’ tablets are made in
backstreet laboratories by amateur chemists.
What’s it called?
The chemical name is Methylenedioxymethylamphetmine, (MDMA),
known as ‘E’, ’XTC’, ‘Edward’, ‘Essence’, ‘Love Doves’, ‘Disco Biscuits’,
‘Denis the Menace’, ‘Shamrock’ – and many other names.
Why it’s taken?
Ecstasy is usually taken at ‘raves’ or at discos to produce a feeling of
relaxation with increased energy, happiness and flexibility. Someone
using Ecstasy may feel less inhibited, experience everything more
intensely, feel mellow and calm. It can bring a sense of vulnerability.
Ecstasy takes effect in 20 – 60 minutes, usually is at its height for
about 2 hours and can last several hours after that.
The ‘E’ scene
Ecstasy was originally a ‘feel good’ drug in the US fifteen or so years
ago. It’s closely associated with ‘rave’ dance parties and the music
that goes with them. Endurance dancing, which can last all night, has
become a status measurement – and the use of Ecstasy can be part of
this.
Taking any stimulant increases body temperature. The hot atmosphere
of a dance floor and the dancing itself raises it again, so that ‘ravers’
start losing fluid (dehydrating). They need to take a pint of fluid (not
alcohol – it also dehydrates) per hour to avoid heatstroke which has
killed Ecstasy users here and in other countries. This is best done by
sipping no more than a pint of water, fruit juices or isotonic drink in
any one hour.
Ecstasy-Plus
Less than half the drugs brought as Ecstasy are pure ‘E’. The rest are
‘Snidey’, i.e. a combination of MDMA and any range of substances.
Many ‘E’ tablets are cut with other stimulant drugs such as
amphetamine sulphate. Others are cut with hallucinogenic drugs such
as LSD, or perhaps a mixture of both.
Most worrying of the substances being used as ‘mixers’ are
anaesthetics such as ‘Ketamine’ and depressant drugs such as
barbiturates. Barbiturates are very dangerous, especially when used
with alcohol. So any ‘E’ tablet./capsule may be an experiment with the
unknown.
Short term effects
These may include intense sweating, dry mouth, loss of appetite,
increase in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and sometimes pain
and stiffness in arms, legs and jaws. This pressure on the heart and
respiratory system can kill after a single dose. Anyone suffering from
epilepsy , diabetes, asthma or pre-existing heart disease is particularly
vulnerable to having symptoms brought on suddenly with severe
consequences.
Long term effects
These can include insomnia, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss.
Although it does not on its own produce major hallucinogenic effects
this may happen if it is mixed (or ‘cut’) with other substances such as
Ketamine (an anaesthetic) . Other effects may include psychiatric
problems such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Liver
problems can be caused or made worse by ‘E’. Although Ecstasy is not
physically addictive, users may become psychologically dependent on
the drug. Studies in animals indicate the possibility of brain damage
but it is not yet known whether humans can be affected in this way.
To sum up . . .
When Ecstasy was introduced to the UK and to Ireland, it was ‘sold’ as
the perfect weekend party stimulant, a 90’s drug that you could use to
get your kicks at the weekend and go back to work on Monday as
bright as a button. As the dance drug market has expanded, and the
amount of other substances being added to MDMA is increased, the
threat of death and other serious consequences from the use of
Ecstasy increase also.
Glossary
Drug
A substance which alters the way in which the body functions
Dependent
This word has replaced the word addiction. Dependence can be:
•
Physical: a person tolerant to a drug would experience
withdrawal symptoms if usage is reduced or ended.
•
Psychological: a person is unable to function emotionally without
the use of a drug.
Effects
Effects of a particular drug on the individual will be influenced by a
variety of factors, such as how much has been taken before, tolerance
levels, the amount taken, the mood, expectations of what might
happen and the reactions of others. Therefore it may be misleading to
say that ‘drug A will always cause B’.
Intoxication
The body has more of a drug than it can cope with.
Overdose
Taking a quantity of a drug to which the body has not built up a
tolerance leading to severe illness or death
Tolerance
Describes the way the body adapts to repeated doses of a drug, so
increasingly large amounts are needed to maintain the same effects.
Depressant
Drug which slows down the action of the brain and body systems.
Stimulant
Drug which speeds up or stimulates the brain or body systems. It
makes the user feel confident, powerful, important or assertive.
Amphetamine
Stimulants, usually an off white/yellow bitter tasting crystalline
powder. They are illegal and are not normally available on prescription
in Ireland.
Gram
Common measurement for weighing drugs.
Further help
Further help is available from:
Family Doctor, Pharmacist, Health Board, Community Addiction
Counsellor, Public Health Nurse, Social Workers, Garda Siochana,
Clergy or Probation Officers.
Drug Treatment Center Board
30-31 Pearse Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01-6771122
Drug Awareness Programme Cross Care
Clonliffe College,
Dublin 3
Tel: 01-8360911